Expert testimony by clinical social workers concerning a criminal defendant's competence to stand trial has increasingly been admitted in certain state courts over the past two decades, yet most state laws still require that court-appointed competence evaluators be psychiatrists or psychologists. Pressure to admit social workers' testimony will…

This brief research note reports on an empirical study of some selected symbolic rewards by describing a measurement of social workers' professional satisfaction. (Author)

In this article the author discusses the evolution and nature of the concepts of profession and professionalization and offers suggestions for reforming social work that will make the profession more responsive to the consumers of service. (Author)

In examining the position of women in social work, several important issues are considered: the comparative status of male and female social workers, possible role conflicts experienced by married female workers, and the ramifications on the profession of the large number of female workers. (Author)

Suggests that the future of social work as a profession has been jeopardized by government declines in social service funding and job declassification. The profession's greatest asset is the transferability of social work skills. Future trends include biprofessionalism, computer capabilities, and entrepreneurial social work. (JAC)

Discusses declassification, the reduction in standards of education and experience required for social service jobs. Describes factors contributing to declassification of social work positions and offers a set of strategies for future action, including lobbying, arousing public awareness, and disseminating information. (JAC)

Reviews the development of social work views about the person-environment interface as an evolutionary process. Charges that Fischer's criticism of theory and of pressing for rank empiricism and an emphasis on technique as a basis for practice is a sure way to social work's demise as a knowledge-based profession. (JAC)

Absence of a well-articulated conceptual framework that encompasses the entire spectrum of social work practice is a major source of long-standing identity crisis. This article examines some of the common elements and distinctive features of the mission, objectives, and specializations that have been advanced within professional social work.…

Reviews current arguments about the nature of research in social work practice and discusses the political dimensions of research. Examines how the symbols of science and research have been manipulated to maintain the status hierarchy and division of labor within the profession. (Author/JAC)

Investigated similarities and differences between agency practitioners and private practitioners in Los Angeles, California. Results indicate many social workers view private practice as incompatible with a commitment to serve the needy, but the gap is narrowing and there are more similarities between the two groups. (Author/JAC)

Reviews Kane's "Lessons for Social Work from the Medical Model: A Viewpoint for Practice" (Social Work, July 1982). Three authors offer comments on the article regarding the need for research in social work and the place of social work in the medical field. A rebuttal by Kane is included. (JAC)

Comments on Reid and Hanrahan's article ("Recent Evaluations of Social Work: Grounds for Optimism," July 1982) reviewing social work research. Four authors discuss and evaluate the validity of the conclusions reached and the methodology needed for social work research. A reply by Reid and Hanrahan is included. (JAC)

Discusses controversy concerning use of BSW degree as minimum educational requirement for first social work practice and merits of workers holding the BSW degree as opposed to agency-trained workers. Reports on comparative analysis of workers' attitudes that suggests BSW workers warrant both professional and organizational recognition. (Author/SMR)

Investigated the differences in professional achievement of graduates of master's of social work (MSW) programs having a bachelor of social work (BSW) background (N=125) versus a bachelor of arts (BA), or similar background (N=594). Results indicated that the MSW/BA graduates, as a group, outperform the MSW/BSW graduates. (LLL)

Argues for the recognition of income maintenance as a specialized form of social service, and calls on the social work profession to assume a major role in its development. Discusses the role and training of the income maintenance worker, and reviews effects of the separation of the two professions. (JAC)